Childnet has launched their ninth Film Competition to encourage young people aged 7-18 to create a short film to educate their peers about staying safe online.

With the aim of encouraging young people to have respectful interactions online, the competition gives young people the opportunity to harness their creativity and share their understanding of online safety issues.

Judged by a panel of experts from the BBC, BAFTA, BBFC and BFI, the winning films will be shown at the finalists’ event in London and will be used as educational resources in schools across the UK.

This year’s theme focuses on how young people can ‘connect with respect’ and work together to make the better place for children and young people.

Important dates:

Competition opens: Wednesday 21st February

Competition closes: Monday 11th June

Finalists notified: Monday 18th June

Screening and finalist’s event at the BFI: Tuesday 3rd July

Connect with respect – how to take part

The Film Competition is split into two age categories and schools or youth organisations must oversee and submit entries on behalf of all participants. For both categories, young people must create a film in response to the theme: ‘Connect with respect – a better internet starts with us!’

For both age groups, Childnet are looking for creative, imaginative films which show how young people can make a positive difference online. Young people might express their ideas through comedy, animation, or music. They are encouraged to consider different filmmaking styles such as creating an advert, campaign or documentary.

Childnet have developed resource packs including storyboard templates, guides to filmmaking and other useful documents to help schools and youth organisations engage and support young people in making their films.

Finalists Screening Event and Prizes

The shortlisted films will be shown on the big screen in front of industry guests and young people at the Childnet Film Competition 2018 Event at the BFI London Southbank and will also receive a BBFC rating.

The Film Competition winners will each receive a filmmaking kit for their school which includes a Canon DSLR camera, tripod and clapperboard.

The winners will be decided by an expert panel which includes:

Catherine McAllister, Head of Safeguarding and Child Protection at BBC Children’s

David Austin OBE, Chief Executive of the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC)

Joanna van der Meer, Film Tutor and Family Learning Programmer at BFI Southbank

Lisa Prime, Children’s Events Programmer at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA)